Yoga Retreats - What They Are and Why You Should Go

In the deep recesses of your mind there's a voice crying out. The screams barely register above whispers with the racket of responsibilities and distractions drowning out any clear thought.

Then, as if by providence, after showing up early to work only to be berated by your superior about someone else's mistake, being stuck on a stopped train for ten minutes before the conductor announced that the train would not be moving for another ten minutes, and having a conversation with your mother about your marital status (or lack there of); you let out a big exhale just as your chest is about to explode and the screaming voice crystallizes in your mind. "I need a vacation!" When that light bulb goes off, I highly encourage you to look in to a yoga retreat as a wise investment of your time, money, and energy.

"What is a yoga retreat?" one might ask. Meriam Webster's online dictionary defines retreat as; a) an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult dangerous or disagreeable, c) a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director. Better writers and far more knowledgeable yogis than I have authored books on the definition of yoga. Simply put, I would say that yoga is the union of the mind, body, and breath.

A yoga retreat is an opportunity to practice being present with your self in the moment in a naturally beautiful setting while receiving hands on personal instruction from a well trained yogi. It is a chance to prepare your body and mind for true relaxation.

I know what you're thinking. "I don't want to have to exercise on vacation. I want to drink, eat, and sleep to my heart's content!" That is an understandable reaction, but we have to listen to what our bodies really want and what our minds need. In satiating a sugar craving, there's a big difference between a strawberry, and a strawberry milkshake. If, in a vacation, you are looking for a moment of respite from the chaos of the outside and world and most importantly form your mind, a yoga retreat may more aptly suit your needs. You will also have plenty of time to enjoy gourmet organic meals and do with most of your day and evening what you please.

Customarily, there are one or two group yoga classes and meditations per day and the rest of the time is yours to find happiness in any manner you see fit. ishtayoga.com/yoga_retreats Yoga retreats are great for everyone from the yoga lifer to the first day novice who wants to try something new. They are great for couples, singles, and families. Spending that many days consecutively training can help your practice grow by leaps and bounds. There's nothing like ?av?sana when you know you have absolutely nowhere in particular to be after class and you can hear the waves crashing in the background. You work hard all year, reward yourself with an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and realign your mind body and breath.

Roque L. Rodriguez III is a poet and yoga instructor in New York, NY. He is currently taking the 300 hour yoga teacher training course at ISHTA Yoga NYC and looks forward to going on a ishtayoga.com/yoga_retreats yoga retreat in the future.